Have you ever wondered if your dog needs sun protection? I mean, they have fur to protect them, right? So maybe just the hairless breeds really need it? Actually, while a dog's fur does offer a bit of protection against the harmful effects of the sun, most dogs -- especially those with white fur and/or short hair -- do need sunscreen. So how do we know the right kind of sunscreen to use, and how on Earth do we apply it to our happy, wiggly friend?

Hilary Braaksma has done the research for us in her article for Daily Paws about the best dog sunscreens to use this summer, and why it is so important.

...like humans, the consequences of sun exposure don't end just with a painful sunburn: Dogs are also susceptible to longterm health risks like certain types of skin cancer.

Keep in mind - do NOT use human sun protection on your dog, and avoid Zinc Oxide. Read her full article for tips on how to apply, as well as her top recommendations for which pooch-approved sunscreens to use.